2008 Ford Falcon Orion Interior and GT Exposed

Sporting a set of woolen mitts and beanie, our elusive spy photographer braved the frosty conditions to bring you the latest pictures that the blue oval don’t want anyone to see.

First up, Ford has been extensively testing the use of ‘space-saver’ tyres. The following photo shows a space-saver tyre fitted to a vehicle. Our spy photographer tells us that the vehicle seen in the picture – along with crash-helmet clad driver – were performing continuous evasive and high-speed swerving maneuvers, most probably testing the strength and capacity of the space-saver tyre. This suggests that Ford is likely to follow in Holden’s footsteps and also offer this tyre on the new Falcon.

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Second on the agenda is the FPV range of vehicles. Spotted below is either the GT or GT-P. One thing’s for certain, the bulge is here to stay. The cover on the right hand side of the lights is labeled with “remove for night driving,” possibly indicating a Xenon headlight treatment to the upper models in the range. Also written on the front and rear wheel arches is “160mm,” possibly indicating a protrusion of 16cm for the wheel arches.

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Our spy photographer said that the vehicle photographed had an extremely meaty and mean note. It was also running a quick-shifting automatic gearbox, indicating that the ZF will remain on the cards.

Also noted was that the GT featured cross-drilled and slotted Brembo brakes, possibly opening the doors to a higher-capacity braking system.

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Next on the agenda is Ford’s XR8. Sources confirm that the XR8 nameplate will stay and the following photos also confirm that the bonnet bulge will stay.

According to sources, the Fairmont, XR6, XR8, Futura names will remain in the Orion lineup.

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The spy photographer then managed to spot a Futura model doing the rounds near one of Ford’s facilities in Victoria. The images show that Ford’s new Orion will probably carry over the same rear suspension setup as the BF Falcon.

Although a large portion of the interior was covered up, the photos indicate the Futura model spotted will receive woodgrain highlights on the doors. Also evident is a new handle for the door release, along with revised switchgear for the window operation.

A remodeled steering wheel is also on the cards as per the images, along with a new gear selector. A triangular shaped repeated on the side will replace the oval shaped repeater used on the BF. It’s still unclear if Ford will use repeaters on the wing mirrors. Every model spotted so far has had its wing mirrors covered up and the GT or GT-P photographer earlier in this post also has a small portion taped up.

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Padding is visible in the bottom right of the next photo, indicating that the bumper bar is a somewhat fake layout.

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Indicator repeater

The development of the new Falcon seems well in advance. It won’t be long before more and more vehicles are seen on the streets.

Remember, if you have any spy photos of Ford’s new Falcon – or any other vehicle for that matter – contact CarAdvice, if the photos are decent, we’re willing to pay cash (more than the major magazines). High-resolution copies of the images attached are available. Please contact CarAdvice to request copies.